Joakim Noah’s Career Year Keeping Bulls’ Hope Alive Until Rose Returns

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 082012
 

Chicago’s Joakim Noah improved on what’s already been his greatest season as a pro with a 30-point, 23-rebound performance in the Chicago Bulls‘ 108-104 win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday. Not typically known as a scorer, Noah connected on 12 of his 19 field-goal attempts (and six of seven free throws) en route to his career night.

With the Bulls battling mediocrity (10-8) minus former MVP Derrick Rose (ACL), Noah has provided them with consistent production to hold their place in the playoff picture.

Coach Tom Thibodeau has needed more offense out of his defensive specialist, and Noah has responded with his best scoring season to date (13.9 points per game). Noah told NBA.com’s Dana Gauruder he’s “more comfortable” offensively this season following Friday night’s performance.

His numbers reflect that comfort. His field-goal percentage may have dipped (48.0 percent) with his increased shooting opportunities (11.1 field-goal attempts per game). But he has converted 42 percent of his mid-range attempts.

And he’s managed these offensive improvements without sacrificing the defensive prowess that led to his selection as the ninth overall pick in the 2009 draft. He’s still a defensive pest, swatting away shots (2.2 blocks per game) and keeping his opponents out of good post position.

The up-and-down play of Chicago’s second unit has forced Thibodeau to ride his consistent performers more than he’d like. But Noah has responded by logging over 39 productive minutes per game.

The impending return of Rose may alleviate some of the club’s backcourt woes, but it won’t lighten Noah’s workload. With Taj Gibson stuck in neutral (6.2 points per game) and veteran Nazr Mohammed relegated to garbage time, Thibodeau will continue to trot out Noah out of necessity.

It’s just an added bonus that he’s been so effective in that plentiful playing time.

The Central Division is there for Chicago’s taking.

The Indiana Pacers (92-89 losers to the Denver Nuggets on Friday) and the Milwaukee Bucks (108-93 winners over the Charlotte Bobcats) have failed to capitalize on the absence of Rose. With both teams sitting at .500, their time to overtake (let alone create separation with) the Rose-less Bulls could be dwindling. The star point guard is reportedly a matter of “weeks away” from a return to the practice floor (according to what an NBA source told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times).

Then again, this Bulls team has played pretty well without Rose. And they’ve got their big man in the middle to thank for that.

Read more Chicago Bulls news on BleacherReport.com

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NBA Schedule for December 6 Through December 10 (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

 Toronto  No Responses »
Dec 062012
 

The NBA schedule for Dec. 6 through Dec. 10 features the New York Knicks, ranked first in the Atlantic division, facing the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets. The Miami Heat, ranked first in the Southeast division, will also face the New Orleans Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks. The following schedule has a complete list of the games.

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The Return of Derrick Rose: Will it Be Enough to Save the Chicago Bulls? (Yahoo! Contributor Network)

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 062012
 

COMMENTARY | There is one adversary which has proven to be formidable against all professional athletes. It is the injury bug, particularly when attacking the knee. On April 28, this unbiased assailant caught Derrick Rose in its cross hairs and ended what many thought would be a promising NBA Playoff run for the Chicago Bulls. However, after surgery to repair his left anterior cruciate ligament just last May, recent reports state that the superstar point guard has already begun sprinting. With the possibility that Rose may return to practice in just a few weeks, there is reason for hope. …

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5 Things NBA Fans Can’t Wait to See When Derrick Rose Returns

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 062012
 

The return of former MVP Derrick Rose to the Chicago Bulls lineup for the regular season continues to inch its way closer.

Although still lacking a time frame, the star point guard could be “weeks away” from a return to the NBA hardwood (according to what an NBA source told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times). And the impact of his impending return will stretch well beyond Chicago’s city limits. 

Rose is a gift to basketball fans around the globe. He plays the game with one goal in mind: putting his team in the best position to win. No matter the physical toll it takes on his body. Or the mental and emotional fatigue that comes with leading an NBA franchise.

Basketball means the world to Rose. It’s not an avenue to fame or fortunes for the former Memphis star. Those are simply the game’s recognition for his nightly contributions.

It’s rare to find a player with his combination of skill and athleticism. It’s nearly impossible to find a player who combines those talents with the desire to win at all costs.

All statistics used in this article are accurate as of 12/4/2012.

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Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bulls Bounce Back in Cleveland, Win 95-85

 Chicago  No Responses »
Dec 062012
 

After a tough loss to Indiana on Tuesday night, the Chicago Bulls bounced back in a big way with a double-digit victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Marco Belinelli filled in for Richard Hamilton once again and had his best game yet as a member of the Bulls. His 23 points led the team in scoring.

Luol Deng was second in scoring with 22 points. He also grabbed seven rebounds.

The Bulls were in control for a majority of the game, leading the Cavs by 16 after the first quarter. Cleveland was able to cut the lead down to six late in the third quarter, but the Bulls held them off and held a nine-point lead going into the final quarter.

Both teams struggled in the final period, shooting under 40 percent.

Luol Deng’s strong fourth quarter (11 points on 4-for-4 shooting) was enough to hold off any chance of a comeback by Cleveland.

Game Positives

This was another strong defensive performance by Chicago, who allowed 85 points on just 37 percent shooting.  Joakim Noah (13 points, 15 rebounds) and Carlos Boozer (10 points, 12 rebounds) both contributed with double-doubles.

Kirk Hinrich also had an efficient game, shooting over 50 percent and tallying eight assists.

The offense was efficient as a whole, shooting 47 percent from the floor and were once again strong on the glass, winning the rebounding battle 45-41.

Game Criticisms

The Bulls’ 15 turnovers is probably the biggest criticism I have in this game.

There’s also the fourth-quarter struggles that the Bulls seem to have this season. Chicago shot 35 percent in the fourth quarter and were 0-for-5 from beyond the arc. They also had five turnovers in that period.

This was a big win for Chicago, as they have just one day of rest before starting another set of back-to-back games on Friday night with the Detroit Pistons, followed by the New York Knicks on Saturday night.

The Bulls’ seesaw season continues as they are once again above .500 with a 9-8 record.

Read more Chicago Bulls news on BleacherReport.com

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